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Drapery

Maria Denman

1829

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Drapery is a 1829 ink by Maria Denman, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Maria Denman
When & what style?: 1829 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows simple and swirling lines labeled as different kinds of fabric folds. Some look straight, others curve like water or a cascade. A few are marked "complicated," with extra twists and bends. The artist tested how light might hit draped cloth, noting the effect of "muslin or drapery or water." The lines are loose but precise, like quick notes for a bigger drawing. Next, check out the technique: lithography to see how this sketch was made.